Romanesco broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is an intriguing heirloom vegetable with a lime green color and fractal head. It is not quite traditional broccoli and not quite cauliflower, but something in between. Growing Romanesco broccoli is more like growing cauliflower than broccoli in the sense that it is a more temperamental to temperature and requires consistent water and highly organic soil to thrive.

Romanesco requires a slightly shaded location with alkaline soil and room to spread as plants grow up to 3 feet in height. It is best to plant Romanesco in the fall in warmer climates.Those in more northerly regions can plant in the spring, after the last frost. Seeds are generally available through Italian purveyors.

Planting & Care Broccoli prefers full sun, but partial shade can prevent plants from bolting (going to seed) in areas with warm spells. Provide a rich, well-drained soil, with plenty of compost.

Cool days and nights are essential once the flower heads start to form. There’s a wide range of days to maturity, so pick a cultivar that will mature before the weather in your area turns hot. Gardeners in most temperate areas can harvest both spring and fall crops. In areas without ground freezes, try growing a third crop by planting a slow-maturing variety such as ‘Marathon’ in winter.

For fall plantings, direct sow seeds outdoors 85 to 100 days before your average first fall frost.

If you transplant, assume 10 less days for growth or the "days to maturity" on the seed packet.

Work in 2 to 4 inches of rich compost or a thin layer of manure before planting.

Space plants 12 to 24 inches apart, depending on the side heads you want to harvest.

Plant seeds 1 inch deep, 3 inches apart.

You will need to thin seedlings.

Harvesting: In terms of timing: Harvest broccoli when the buds of the head are firm and tight before the heads flower. If you do see yellow petals, harvest immediately. For best taste, harvest in the morning before the soil heats up. Cut heads from the plant. taking at least 6 inches of stem. Cut the stalk of the main head at a slant, about 5 to 8 inches below the head. Most varieties have side-shoots that will continue to develop after the main head is harvested. You can harvest from one plant for many weeks, in some cases, from spring to fall, if you’re summer isn’t too hot. Store broccoli in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you wash before storing, make sure to dry it thoroughly. Broccoli can be blanched and frozen for up to one year.

Special Feature: Broccoli is rich in vitamins, One ounce of broccoli has an equal amount of calcium as one ounce of milk.

Health Benefits
Cancer Prevention - Broccoli contains glucoraphanin, which the body processes into the anti-cancer compound sulforaphane. It also contains indole-3-carbinol, a powerful antioxidant compound and anti-carcinogen found to not only hinder the growth of breast, cervical and prostate cancer, but also boosts liver function. Broccoli shares these cancer fighting, immune boosting properties with other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Cholesterol Reduction- Like many whole foods, broccoli is packed with soluble fiber that draws cholesterol out of your body.
Reducing Allergy Reaction and Inflammation. Powerful Antioxidant - Of all the cruciferous vegetables, broccoli stands out as the most concentrated source of vitamin C, plus the flavonoids necessary for vitamin C to recycle effectively. Also concentrated in broccoli are the carotenoids lutein, zeaxanthin and beta-carotene, other powerful antioxidants.
Bone Health - Broccoli contains high levels of both calcium and vitamin K, both of which are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis. Heart Health - The anti-inflammatory properties of sulforaphane, one of the isothiocyanates (ITCs) in broccoli, may be able to prevent (or even reverse) some of the damage to blood vessel linings that can be caused by inflammation due to chronic blood sugar problems.
Detoxification -Glucoraphanin, gluconasturtiin and glucobrassicin are special phytonutrients that support all steps in the body’s detox process, including activation, neutralization and elimination of unwanted contaminants. These three are in the perfect combination in broccoli. Broccoli also contains isothiocyanates (which you read about in inflammation) which help control the detox process at a genetic level. Diet Aid - Broccoli is a smart carb and is high in fiber, which aids in digestion, prevents constipation, maintains low blood sugar, and curbs overeating. Furthermore, a cup of broccoli has as much protein as a cup of rice or corn with half the calories.
Alkalizes Your Body - Like many vegetables, broccoli helps keep your whole body less acidic, which has a host of health benefits. Read the dangers of an over acid body at: Balance Your Body.UseCulinary use:

Use anyway you would normally use broccoli or cauliflower.

The florets are dense like cauliflower, although their texture is softer, with shorter stalks than broccoli.

Can be eaten raw or cooked.

Do not overcook or the texture will become mushy.

Has a fine, slightly spicy, broccoli taste with a hint of nuttiness and a good texture when cooked correctly.

The leaves are also edible, similar to kale, but can be very bitter and are best cooked unless eaten young.